Altara Elementary School is recognized for education excellence. Since its debut in 1980, Altara has become a school rich in academic tradition where students work hard and have fun.

Awards:

• Selected as one of the 200 best public schools in the nation by the U.S. Department of Education,1985-1986.
• Centennial School, 1995-1998.
• Recognized as a Model School by Renaissance Learning, 2000-2002.
• The first school awarded the new 5-Star Award for Excellence by the Jordan School District for “Outstanding School Public Relations,” 2004-2005.

Altara’s Mission Statement:

“All Students Doing Better Schoolwork and Becoming Better Citizens” Belief Statements:

1.  We believe in creating a positive and engaging learning environment in which teachers love to teach and students love to learn. 
2. We believe in maintaining high academic and behavorial standards for all students. 
3.  We believe all students can learn regardless of challenges. 
4. We believe a child’s optimal education requires the unified and collaborative effort of students, parents, educators, politicians, and the entire community.

Facts about Altara:

* Altara Elementary serves about 720 students on a traditional calendar.

* For 1st - 6th grade, the school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 2:55 p.m. except on Fridays when students are dismissed at 1:15 p.m. to allow planning time for teachers.

* For AM Kindergarten, the day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 11:00 a.m. except on Fridays when it ends at 10:15 a.m.

* For PM Kindergarten, the day begins at 12:15 and ends at 2:55 p.m except on Fridays when it begins at 11:15 a.m. and ends at 1:15 p.m.

* Altara has exceptional teachers who not only individualize instruction, but motivate and inspire students. Many of Altara’s teachers have advanced degrees.

* The teacher/pupil staffing ratio is 1 to 22.15 in Kindergarten, 1 to 22.3 in first, second, and third grade, and 1 to 26.3 in grades fourth, fifth and sixth. The actual class sizes vary.

* Altara, together with the entire Canyons District, teaches the New National Core Curriculum for math starting in 2010. We follow the Utah State Core Curriculum for all other subjects.

* Development of good citizenship, high self-esteem, problem solving, and artistic abilities are also promoted.

* The Safe School Ambassadors program was implemented 07-08. This program teaches leadership skills and promotes good citizenship both in the classroom and on the playground.

*Altara school council will be sponsoring jump rope for heart service fundraiser in the Spring and promotes other service oriented activities.

* Altara has an optional early-morning orchestra and after-school band program with talented music teachers.

* Altara computer lab was updated 2010, and Altara TV, a student-run newscast, airs throughout the school each Friday.

* Special education services are provided for students with learning disabilities and for students with speech, visual, hearing, physical or behavioral disabilities.

* An active Parent-Teacher Association, School Community Council, and Parent Volunteer Program benefit the school.

Read the History of Kittyhawk